Upgrade guide of OpenLM Version 1.5 to Version 1.6

OpenLM version 1.6 includes significant changes at the database structure and other aspects and because of that we recommend our customers to perform a preliminary upgrade test before actually performing the upgrade on the production environment.

The level of the preliminary check depends on the organization’s requirements. If the requirement is to provide a 24/7 service then a full check is recommended that includes an installation of a test system and a fully upgrading and testing of the test system. If down time is acceptable then a short DB upgrade test may be sufficient. OpenLM customers are welcomed to contact our support team and consult with us about upgrade issues.

• DB structure change.
• The Agent software is also highly upgraded, its performance is better and it visually provides a better interface. Older versions of the agent are not compatible with the new server version so the upgrade of the agent is a must.
• OpenLM Server configuration settings moved into the DB (older versions stored it in an XML file).
• OpenLM Users Management software is obsolete now. All its functionality was moved to OpenLM EasyAdmin interface. The new interface is better, easier to use and faster. Group management is still a part of the Groups & Projects extension and requires additional licensing.
• OpenLM Broker was significantly upgraded to support the advanced functionality of OpenLM version 1.6. We highly recommend to also upgrade OpenLM Broker but this can be done on a second stage, after upgrading the server.

Two different procedures are outlined in this document. One for installations that use the embedded Firebird database and another one for installations that use external database (Oracle, MS SQL Server or Firebird Server – requires additional licensing). These two procedures are also divided to two, a full and a preliminary check procedure.

Short preliminary check procedure for embedded database configuration

First stage: Backup your database file!

Navigate to the location of your OpenLM Server database file, typically: C:Program FilesOpenLMOpenLMServerdbOPENLM_DB.GDB and backup the database file.

Note that backup stage is mandatory since the database upgrade process can be sensitive to hardware and software problems. Starting the upgrade process without backing up your database file is risking your data.

Second stage: Test the database upgrade process (optional)

Choose a test workstation  (XP, Vista, Windows 7) and take the following steps:

• Install OpenLM Server version 1.6 on a workstation.
• Stop “OpenLM Server” windows service (on the workstation).
• Copy of your production database C:Program FilesOpenLMOpenLMServerdbOPENLM_DB.GDB to the test workstation.
• Navigate to C:Program FilesOpenLMOpenLM Serverbin and execute DBUpgrade.exe.
• Upgrade your database and make sure that no errors are reported.

Now you can upgrade your production system.

• Install OpenLM Server version 1.5.6 (the exact version you currently use) on a workstation (XP, Vista or Windows 7).
• Stop “OpenLM Server” windows service (on the workstation).
• Replace the database with a copy of your production database C:Program FilesOpenLMOpenLMServerdbOPENLM_DB.GDB.
• Start “OpenLM Server” windows service.
• Upgrade the system by installing OpenLM Server 1.6 on the workstation.

Third stage: Make sure your database backup is in safe place and upgrade your production system.

Forth stage: Update OpenLM Agents.

Fifth Stage: Install OpenLM Broker on the any FLEXlm server managed by OpenLM.

Full Upgrade procedure with preliminary check for sites that use external database

This procedure is relevant to users that configured an external database with OpenLM Server. OpenLM Server supports Oracle, Ms SQL Server or Firebird server.

First stage: Backup your database!

Note that backup stage is mandatory since the database upgrade process can be sensitive to hardware and software problems. Starting the upgrade process without backing up your database file is risking your data.

Second stage: Upgrade your database

Download the appropriate database upgrade script from OpenLM Downloads area.
Stop OpenLM Server service and then Run the script in order to upgrade the database.

Third stage: upgrade your production system.

Upgrade is simple, install the new package 1.6 on your production server. It will update the software while preserving all your settings. OpenLM service will not be available during the upgrade process.

Test the system!

Forth stage: Update OpenLM Agents.

Fifth Stage: Install OpenLM Broker on the any FLEXlm server you may have.

Please report problems to OpenLM Team!
Email: support@openlm.com
OpenLM Site contact form.